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Dump Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Emily

Dump & Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A no-fuss, family-friendly casserole that combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara, and melty cheese — all baked together with a crispy breadcrumb topping for the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or cracker crumbs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In the prepared dish, combine the uncooked pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and spread evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
  4. Bake covered for 35–40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs over the top and drizzle with olive oil.
  6. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
  7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Swap penne for rotini or shells depending on what you have. For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the sauce. This casserole freezes well — assemble ahead and bake straight from the freezer, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.